Goku Raku Ramen @ Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

In the recent festive month of December, 2011, there were 2 new shopping malls(Precinct 10 and Gurney Paragon Mall) with a lot of Food and Beverage outlets opened in Penang, I had my attempt on Sushi Zento at Precinct 10 earlier ago and I always wanted to try this famous Goku Raku Ramen which has gained its good reputation via the outlet in Mid Valley Megamall (Kuala Lumpur). Recommended by a lot of food bloggers (based in K.L.) about their thick and creamy Ramen broth. Summarized from their official website, " The pork, chicken and fish mixed broth were simmered to perfection for 48hours to bring out its exquisite taste". The newly opened Penang outlet is situated at Gurney Paragon Mall, which located along Gurney Drive and a few steps away from Gurney Plaza. You may park your car at Gurney Plaza and walk to Gurney Paragon Mall if you are unfamiliar with the new building. Service was so-so during my visit, the employees seem to be so confused with their work, wrong orders sent to my table and I requested for their WiFi password, but the waiter seemed to be ignorant (telling me in an unclear and simple manner) and I had to ask for a second time. Price-wise, is slightly on the higher side, moreover, they are charging 10% service charge and 6% government tax.

Had their Ultimate Tonkotsu Ramen (Rm21.90 for large/Rm16.90 for small). There are 3 choices of soup available, namely the normal Tonkotsu soup, Shoyu Tonkotsu (Japanese Soy Sauce) soup and their Miso Tonkotsu soup. Among the 3 choices, I find Miso Tonkotsu soup has the most unique and delicious. All of the soup mentioned above share common characteristics, which are thick, rich, creamy and flavorful. Each bowl of Ultimate Ramen comes with a big piece of Seaweed, one whole hard boiled egg, bamboo shoot and 2 slices of their Char Siew (Japanese Roasted Pork). Portion was okay only for the large bowl of Ramen, order small only if you are a small eater. The Ramen was normal only in my opinion, I have expected something more chewy and springy, but it turned out to be normal only, nevertheless, their Ramen broth was one of the best I ever had. Recommended for Ramen Lovers!

As for drinks, they are pretty pricey as well, particularly their Ocha (Japanese Green Tea, Rm2.90 cold). They were just ordinary Ocha to me, similar item is much cheaper in other Japanese restaurants. One of my friends had their Honey Lemon Tea (Rm4.90 for warm) and he was not happy with the thinly sliced lemon (shown in the photo above) which failed to bring out the flavor.

Chili powders and chopped garlic will be provided on every table. Customers can add any extra chilies or garlic they like based on their preferences.

Ratings:

Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good) * Based on their Ramen only*

Price: 6/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Service: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: Yes 6%

Additional Information:

Address: Lot 163D-1-05, Gurney Paragon Mall, Pesiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang. (walk straight until you have passed Pacific Coffee, you should be able to locate Goku Raku Ramen right after that).

Business Hour: 10am to 10pm, Daily.

Contact Number: 604- 226 0961

Website: www.gokuraku-ramen.com

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